Tank Riders 2 Review

Polarbit comes right back at us with a tank-fighting sequel in Tank Riders 2. Coming off the first iteration, this one has some living up to do.

I noticed the game does provide some customizable options with regards to the controls; it’s possible to have the d-pad for movement along with tap input to fire, or another d-pad can be utilized to shoot.

The gameplay starts easy enough. It’s a solo war of attrition, in that it is necessary to destroy the enemy tanks before they destroy the player tank by completely draining the life bar. It’s also leveled, so successfully competing one level is the prerequisite to moving on to the next. In the first skirmish, it was 1v1 in confined space. The ammunition is basic, and the only issue was blasting through the the flimsy obstacles that prevent direct assault on the lone opponent. As it progress, the enemy tanks become more plentiful, smarter and better armed, with stuff like ricocheting rounds. Thankfully, it’s possible to upgrade ammunition and shields arcade-style to keep up. There are also gold coins to collect, teleporting devices and even triggered traps.

Puzzle-solving becomes even more of an needed skill to advance levels. Gates that are toggled by shooting the switch, and getting to a rally point become part the gameplay. There is an energy requirement, so running out of lives induces a refractory period. No need for gnashed teeth, though. It seems shockingly short at twenty minutes per. Impatience can be soothed with real cash via in-app purchase.

The game is well rendered, with nice graphics and expressive animations that are not overdone. The tanks themselves retain the fun look from the original title. The origin map and game scenery look good, with the variation in the latter taking center stage: dusty, sandy beaches transforming into nighttime locales full of foreboding. There are different backgrounds to work through to along with the chunky graphics.

It’s a familiar game, easy to figure out, and fun to engage with. It won’t feel like the most sophisticated game, but it’s charm lays in the fact that it isn’t trying to.